Joint committee 202 (for the retail food trade): the sector agreement 2019-2020 has arrived!

On 10 July 2019, the social partners of this joint committee concluded their 2019-2020 sector agreement (registration No. 153807). This agreement respects the maximum negotiating envelope of 1.1% in 2019 and 2020 as set out in the Royal Decree of 19 April 2019.

Below you will find a brief overview of the most important subjects of the sector agreement. A detailed analysis can be found in our sector information.

Provisions with an impact on wages

Applying the wage margin

As from 01 July 2019, the non-manual workers’ average minimum monthly incomes, pay scales and actually paid monthly wages increase by EUR 26 gross/month;

In December 2019, full-time workers employed on 30 November 2019 will receive a one-off gross premium of EUR 70.

Travel expenses

Bicycle allowance

As from 01 January 2020, the bicycle allowance will increase from 0.22 EUR to EUR 0.24/km.

Abolition of minimum travelling distance

The minimum travelling distance of 2 km for the employer's contribution to the costs of public transport is abolished.

Social Security Fund

All current allowances of the Social Fund with regard to the employment measures remain valid:

• Vocational training;
• Additional time credit;
• Permanent incapacity for work;
• Youth recruitment bonus -26 years;
• Childcare contribution.

As from 01 July 2019, the bonus in the event of dismissal due to force majeure will increase from EUR 123.95 to EUR 186. This bonus will be indexed annually.

Training

Training efforts

In implementation of the law on feasible and flexible work, training efforts are planned for the entire sector, being at least equivalent to a training effort of 5 days on average per full-time equivalent for the years 2019-2020 combined.

Training offer

The training course 'Dealing with aggression in the shop' will be maintained.

In 2019 and 2020, 20 sessions will be organised for a maximum of 25 participants each. For each worker participating, the company receives a subsidy of EUR 80/half day and EUR 160/whole day.

System of unemployment with corporate allowance (RCC/SWT)

Workers of this JC can benefit from:

• RCC/SWT from 59 years after an occupational history of 33 years in a heavy and arduous profession;
• RCC/SWT from 59 years after an occupational history of 35 years in a heavy and arduous profession;
• RCC/SWT from the age of 59 years after an occupational history of 40 years.

As from 01 January 2019, workers can ask to be exempted from the obligation of adapted availability from the age of 62.

End-of-career job with benefits

Pursuant to CBA No. 137, workers with a long occupational history or strenuous profession are entitled to:

• a 1/5 end-of-career job with benefits as from the age of 55;
• a half-time end-of-career job with benefits as from the age of 57.

Increased contribution to trade union training by the social fund

As from 2020, the annual budget to contribute to trade union training will be increased by 5%.

Minimum daily working time

As from 1 January 2020, workers having 4 years of seniority in the company have an individual right to a minimum daily working time of 4 hours.

Validity period

This agreement was recently published on the website of the FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue and is therefore final. It is valid from 01 July 2019 to 30 June 2021.

 

Source: sector agreement 2019-2020 of 10 July 2019 (registration No. 153807), in force from 01 July 2019 until 30 June 2021.